Shield Of Refuge. Carol Steward

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СКАЧАТЬ mainly concerned with Officer Matthews’s and your safety right now,” the state patrolman replied with a cocky smile. “Have you had anything to drink this evening?”

      “No,” she answered, then turned back to her glove box.

      The patrolman ran his gaze up and down Amber, then gave her a look of contempt. “Would you agree to a test?”

      Garrett didn’t like the way he was eyeing her.

      She propped her forearm on the steering wheel. “That’s fine, I don’t drink, and I don’t do drugs. I was…”

      Garrett intervened. “Colorado State Patrol is only here to process the accident,” he said, “because Fossil Creek Police Department can’t investigate our own accidents.”

      Amber slid out of the van and handed everything to the patrolman while one of the officers was measuring the skid marks and taking pictures of the vehicles, inside and out.

      The patrolman glared at Garrett, then turned to talk to the lieutenant. The two moved to look under the van, probably to verify how much fluid it had lost, he thought.

      She closed the front door, then leaned against the van next to Garrett. “What if it’s the rapist that everyone’s been looking for?”

      “We already caught him, and this wasn’t the same MO,” Garrett muttered before the lieutenant heard and got involved again.

      “Oh, I guess I missed that in the newspaper.” She began to wring her hands. “But this girl could be hurt.”

      “It’s okay, calm down—just answer the officer’s questions. Don’t offer more,” Garrett mumbled.

      Amber leaned closer and whispered to him. “Are the charges for hitting a cop worse than running into someone else?”

      “Not unless I mention the knife,” he said with a wink.

      “That’s not funny,” she said, a nervous smile twitching her lip. “I was only trying to help.”

      His gaze met hers and they both smiled. “No, hitting a cop is no different, unless it’s intentional.” He glanced at the geometric designs on her dress, then back to her alluring face. He’d never reacted this way to anyone on the job.

      “Well, if one judged by the dozen or so glowering stares I’m receiving from them, one would think so. Can’t some of these officers go looking for the girl? He’s getting away.”

      “He’s already gotten away,” Garrett said as he closed his eyes and rested his head in his hands. “Don’t be concerned about the officers. They…” They’re trying not to drool. The image brought a brief mental smile. “Don’t worry, the Fossil Creek Police Department will ask you about the crime you witnessed after the accident is processed,” he said quietly, hoping he didn’t sound as bad as he felt. I just wish you hadn’t hit me. He inhaled a breath of fresh air, propping his knees on his elbows.

      “What’s your name? Garrett or Matthew? I heard them call you both. I want to be praying that your injuries aren’t serious. If that’s okay, I mean. I guess God knows who I hit, but it would mean more to me to know I’m praying for you personally. I owe you at least that much.”

      “Garrett Matthews. I can use all the prayers I can get. Thanks.”

      “They don’t believe me, do they?”

      “They’ll look into it,” he mumbled, not wanting to admit there were far too many officers standing here, gawking like the civilians they made fun of for chasing emergency lights. They shouldn’t be here, but that wasn’t his call. He had just finished his rookie year.

      A compact car drove up and parked nearby. Another woman approached one of the officers, then spotted Amber and made a beeline for her. “Are you okay?” Guessing by the hug, Garrett figured she was the friend hosting the shower.

      “Yeah, I’m okay, but I’m not sure about the officer I hit. I’ll call you later.” Her voice got softer as she spoke. Amber carried the cake and the gift to the car. “Don’t mention my accident to Maya. No need to panic the bride two weeks before the wedding. I’ll figure out a way to get the cake to the resort. I don’t need her to worry about that, too—”

      The state patrolman interrupted. “Your van’s going to be in the shop for a while, so if you need any of the other things, you may as well send them with your friend now.”

      The women quickly moved everything from van to car and the friend left.

      When Amber returned to the empty van, Garrett smiled. “Handcuffs for a wedding shower?”

      “Handcuffs? Oh, no, those aren’t for the shower.” Her porcelain skin turned bright pink. “Parties Galore also has costumes and decorations. I was going to repackage them for costume parties. They were on back order and just came in. Police costumes are very popular, you know.”

      “I see. Bride’s name wouldn’t happen to be Sarah, would it?”

      “I’m afraid I can’t share my client’s information.” She quirked her eyebrow, trying to hide her smile. “Why? Is that your fiancée?”

      “My what?” He laughed. “No way.” Garrett shook his head. “Future sister-in-law,” he whispered.

      “Well, send her my way. I’m a party planner and owner of Parties Galore—used to be the bakery downtown. Weddings are my specialty.”

      “I see.” He forced a smile as he stood. Flashing lights caught his attention and he headed toward the ambulance. “I’ll be sure to pass along your name.”

      She studied him. “Are you okay? You look kind of pale. Maybe you need some food. I should have offered you a bite of cake.”

      “No,” he growled. “I’m not much for sweets, even when I’m feeling good.”

      Just as he started to weave, Amber stepped up next to him and wrapped her arm around his waist. “Here, lean on my shoulder,” she said, then called for help. The paramedics rushed to her aid with the gurney and took his vitals, then put a neck brace on. “I don’t need that. There’s nothing wrong…” he argued, even though he knew it was futile.

      Lieutenant Chavez reminded Garrett that it was a requirement that he get checked out in any on-duty accident.

      Garrett watched the fear escalate in Amber’s eyes and fought the inclination to be angry with her. While he didn’t feel fine, he knew he had to do something to ease Amber Scott’s guilt. It wasn’t as if she’d been rushing to make it to the wedding shower. She was after a kidnapper, just as he would have been under the same circumstances.

      A few minutes of oxygen in the ambulance and he’d be fine again, he was sure of it.

      Garrett looked at Amber and winked. “I’m going to be fine. It’s just a formality.”

      She didn’t look convinced.

      The paramedics rattled off numbers that indicated his heart was doing just fine, considering he’d just been in an accident and met an attractive woman. “Hey,” he said to the lead medic. “Give СКАЧАТЬ